Noumenon’s eyes drifted across the metallic figure lying on the floor, and a chill ran down her spine. Her breath hitched as she noticed the tattered attire adorning the robotic form—a dark jacket with sleeves rolled to the elbows, paired with a meticulously buttoned vest. It was unmistakably Doctor Dunong’s signature look. She staggered back in disbelief, her mind whirling.
Suddenly, the robot stirred. Its head jerked slightly, then turned, and its eyes glowed faintly as they locked onto her.
“Is that you, Noumenon?” its voice rasped, startlingly human despite the mechanical distortion. “What happened?”
She gasped, stumbling further away.
“How do you know me? Where is Doctor Dunong?” Her voice was shaky, bordering on panic.
The robot tilted its head, as though confused by her react
